If there's one subject that we're told not to photograph for stock photography, it's flowers. And yet many of us take great joy in practicing our art and technique on a subject that does not require a model or property release. Moreover, flowers are ubiquitous: they are everywhere. How dull would life be without the beauty of flowers?
My first ever sale in stock photography (albeit not on DT) was of flowers. In fact most of my stock sales have been of flowers and plants. Maybe it's because I go against the advice of those much more experienced--and talented--than me, and continue to upload images of blooms, foliage and flowers.
My point is, whilst you are learning the craft of photography, flowers can be fantastic subjects to shoot. Unless you're photographing cut stems bought right from the store, flowers can prove to be quite challenging to newbie photographers. Just the slightest breeze can blur details and natural light changes in a heartbeat. Deciding on the best depth of field and whether to adopt a top view or low angle shot are decisions that every photographer experiments with.
Yes, the stock photography market may well be saturated with millions of images of flowers, but there is inspiration from this subject to be found everywhere. Even the most seasoned, professional photographers have to grow and develop their skills. Why not practice you're new technique, try out that new lens, experiment with a dynamic perspective on the blooms in your garden (or local park) and maybe surprise yourself at how something so "done" can be so liberating!
Thanks for reading, and happy shooting :)
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Photographycornwall
Thought I'd just check back here and how wonderful to see so many more comments left on this old blog post. Really lovely to receive such encouraging feedback. Thanks everyone :-)
Wconny
My first sale here on DT was of flowers, too :)
orchids
Davidwatmough
Wonderful.............. cards need flowers and people buy for Mother's day, birthdays, wedding cards, Easter cards............. I've sold lots of flowers............ try an unusual background.
Good blog article. David
Angkawijaya92
Until I read your blog, I'm kind a bit pessimistic with flowers, but now, I should try more. thanks!
Juhku
I also like to photograph lots of flowers and get some sales to them too.
Background of many poinsettia flowers
Robin1433
Well said. Till today for me on DT, two sales, two flowers pics...
My best wishes for sales to everyone !
Cousy86
I get flowers accepted too.
Hyacinth flower
Cglightning
sometimes i get flowers accepted too ;) And also sometimes i sell flower-pictures *smile*
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My personal favorit of my images is this smartphone-Picture of a Cactus Flower:
Sam20140218
I can not agree more, flowers are such beauties and a recent trip to the Netherlands provided plenty of picture perfect opportunities!
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Debratos
I love flowers and take photos of them too! I have sold several flowers so keep up your good work!
Joe1971
My best photo is flower!
Ujjaldey
+1
and I believe common subjects can also sell well if captured in uncommon way
Flower Pick
Vilaimages
You can't help it sometimes even if they don't sell so much...
Frogylagal
This is exactly how I played around with setting. Learning about my camera and lenses. Thank for the advise.
Antonio1962
Beautiful images.I agree completely with you!Is dificult to shot and to sale.My only flower sale
Cheese365
Great photos, some good advice from fellow DT members too. I too have sold flower photos. I agree that keywording, research and good descriptions help get your photo out there. Sometimes it's just pure luck too. Happy flower shooting everyone! :)
Songbird839
I still think there is merit in the stock agencies taking flower images. Gardening is a big hobby enjoyed by people of all ages, race, & gender. It is also a big market. I agree we have enough of the common flowers but there are hundreds of varieties that are not represented by even one photo. For example there are thousands of different daylily hybrids that are unique and beautiful but only the common orange and a handful of others are there to represent. On Dreamstime there is one page of results when you search daylily hybrid and 7 of them aren't daylilies at all!
Photographycornwall
Thanks to everyone who has read my post and taken the time to leave such wonderful and encouraging comments. Your posts certainly suggest that well executed photos of flowers, correctly identified and tagged, are still in demand. Even if these images don't become your best sellers, still have fun developing your skills capturing the beauty of flowers :)
Digikhmer
It is really hard to get flower accepted. This is my last one
.
Torasnapsfr
I also put up a photo of a hibiscus bush and it sold within two days. Made me very happy.
